Cats are like babies who love a little more attention. And as a cat parent, it’s usual to be concerned about them, especially when they show new behaviors like licking the roof of their mouths.
But why do we sometimes see a cat licking the roof of its mouth? The most probable cause is that they smelled something new. Aside from this, they may lick the roof of their mouth due to the following reasons:
- Poisoning or contact with irritants
- Food residual or foreign objects on the roof
- Oral Health issues
- New Pheromones and Flehmen responses
I have a cat called Muezza. A few days ago, she was seen licking the roof of her mouth. At first, I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. So, I went to the vet and did some research. Here, I will share everything I’ve found to help you understand this cat behavior.
Why Does A Cat Lick The Roof of Its Mouth? Reasons Explained
Licking or grooming is just a normal habit for a cat until they do it excessively. Moreover, it can be something to worry about if you notice them licking in odd places, especially unusual mouth movements. Also, don’t ignore any changes in their usual habits.
Hearing some smacking noises is often the first sign that your cat is licking the roof of its mouth. A lot of different factors could start this behavior, like stuck food, changes in their environment, or even inflammatory oral diseases.
However, most of the time, the reasons are not lethal or health-related. Still, it must be addressed properly and timely to avoid bigger problems.
Here, I have elaborated on six reasons why a cat may lick the roof of its mouth.
Poisoning or Contact with Irritants
House cats usually groom themselves for 30 to 50 percent of the day. Grooming has two categories: oral grooming and scratching. However, most of the time, they groom orally.
Among all the places of oral grooming, a cat applies saliva around its head and hind leg the most, accounting for 31% and 21%, respectively.
Thus, residuals of bleach, certain cleaning products, or other toxic chemicals on its fur, especially around the head and hind legs, could get on its tongue. So, for temporary relief, it might lick the roof of its mouth. This can be very serious. If you suspect your cat has ingested any toxic substance or harsh chemical, like antifreeze, certain plants, or human medications, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately. Don’t wait.
Food Residual or Foreign Objects
Sometimes, while eating something sticky, food or even a piece of string or hair gets attached to the roof of a cat’s mouth. If it doesn’t come out after feeding, you might see some weird mouth movements.
Eventually, it will lick the roof of its mouth to get rid of the residual food or object. They could lick the roof of their mouth to keep themselves clean. Occasionally, we give our cat some jelly treats. A few days ago, Muezza started to ask for more. A bit got stuck on the roof of Muezza’s mouth. Thus, she kept licking the roof of her mouth.
New Sensory Activity
A cat’s tongue is pretty sensitive, so any new sensory activity or strong smell would make it busier. When it senses a change of smell or gets a new smell, it habitually sticks out its tongue. Sometimes, for a detailed exploration of that new scent, it would lick the roof of its mouth. This behavior is often linked to the Flehmen response.
Oral Health Issue
When a cat develops an inflammatory mouth disease such as stomatitis, gingivitis, oral ulcers, or lesions on their gums or tongue, its mouth area becomes very sensitive and painful. This will make it very uncomfortable, and you may see your pet crying in pain while licking its mouth to soothe the pain. Other signs of cat dental problems can include bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating dry food, pawing at their mouth, or redness around the gums. If you notice these, a vet visit is needed.
New Pheromone and Flehmen responses
Cats are very sensitive to new pheromones, according to the Flehmen response. They would curl their lips and inhale through their noses. This action exposes the vomeronasal organ (Jacobson’s organ), located in the roof of their mouth. This special organ helps them analyze certain scents or pheromones.
When they pick up the scent of a new pheromone, they would lick the roof of their mouths. This activity helps them transfer the smell to the vomeronasal organ, gathering more insights into the new fragrance. It also helps them analyze the nature of the new pheromone.
Solution of Cat Licking Roof of Its Mouth
As I discussed before, there are numerous reasons behind a cat licking the roof of its mouth. Different causes need different solutions based on the type of problems. To get the proper remedy, follow the steps below:
Step 1 : Removing Stuck Food
Check inside its mouth to see if there is any food or foreign object stuck there. After that, dampen a clean towel or gauze with water. Carefully try to remove the food residues from its mouth roof using that cloth. If you can’t do so safely, or if your cat resists, it’s important to take your cat to the veterinarian to prevent injury.
Step 2 : Consider New Toys Or Furniture
If you don’t find any food residue or obvious mouth issues inside its mouth, think about whether you’ve made any recent changes in your house. It could be either a new playing item or furniture.
Wait for a few days, and if the cat still licks the roof of its mouth, consider removing or temporarily replacing that toy or furniture to see if the behavior stops.
Step 3 : Change Its Washing Products
Check whether your cat is licking the roof of its mouth after showering. It can be caused by some leftover wash or a harsh bleaching agent on its body or fur. Take her to a vet if you suspect irritation, and don’t use that wash again. Always make sure any cleaning or grooming products used around your cat are specifically cat-friendly and non-toxic.
Step 4 : Take to A Vet Immediately
If your pet is showing more serious symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, fever, excessive drooling, difficulty eating, or pawing at their mouth, it’s most probably an oral disease, a digestive problem, or even poisoning. You should never try to solve this on your own. Take her immediately to a vet, or if it’s far, call the vet and ask for help according to the symptoms. For any severe or persistent licking, a professional veterinary diagnosis is always best.
FAQ
Let’s discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about the gesture of a cat licking the roof of its mouth.
Does a cat lick the roof of its mouth when in heat?
No, a cat never licks the roof of its mouth when in heat. It would show many changes in habits, like rolling, yowling, rubbing, etc., but it would never lick the roof of its mouth.
Why does my cat lick the roof of its mouth while sleeping?
If your cat was having a nightmare, it would sometimes lick the roof of its mouth during sleep. However, you should also look for any flies or other insects that could disturb the sleeping pet.
Can dehydration make a cat lick the roof of its mouth?
Yes, extreme dehydration could make a cat lick the roof of its mouth to moisten the inside of its mouth. However, before this, it will show many obvious signs of dehydration, like licking its lips, smacking its lips, lessening or stopping drooling, etc.
Final Words
A cat licking the roof of its mouth usually depends on a change in its habitat or something minor. However, it’s crucial to be aware that some chemicals, like sulfate and parabens, found in various household products, are very toxic to them. So, before buying any products for them or using them around your home, make sure they are certified cat-friendly.
Nevertheless, we have shared what to do if you notice your cat, like Muezza, licking the roof of its mouth. So, instead of panicking, follow the discussed methods to give your pet some relief. Remember, for any persistent or worrying symptoms, always consult your veterinarian.
